Top 5 Best Flea Shampoos for Dogs

Bathing your dog is an essential part of the overall pet grooming process, but what do you do if he has fleas? Regular dog shampoos, and even medicated dog shampoos, will not kill fleas on the dog or their eggs. If your dog has been infested with these parasites, you'll need to bathe him with one of the special and best flea shampoo for dogs if you want to get rid of them.

There are various methods of eliminating dog fleas, but bathing your pet regularly with a dog flea shampoo is probably one of the easiest and most practical ways.

Unlike ticks, fleas are very small ectoparasites, so picking them one by one may not be feasible at all. It must be noted that bathing a dog using a flea shampoo is an essential part of a weekly flea elimination regimen and must not be thought of as a singular do-all solution.The best dog flea shampoos on this list are all safe and effective.

You won't need to worry about harmful chemicals or toxins leeching into your pet's system with the right product. Here's a quick look at the five best flea shampoo for dogs brands we'll be discussing:

* Click on the best dog flea shampoo for more information, prices and details. Scroll below to read reviews.

Using the best flea shampoo for dogs safely

Sadly, many commercial dog flea shampoo products are made with toxic chemicals. While these chemicals may be effective at killing fleas and their eggs on the dog, they can also leech into your dog's body through his skin and cause serious health conditions over time.

The Center for Public Integrity (CPI) has published a report stating reported human health problems related to common pesticides have increased almost 300% in the last 10 years. The Humane Society of the United States has also published many warnings about the dangers of flea control chemicals. One such warming states:

“At least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot on treatments with pyrethroids were reported to the EPA over the last five years, according to an analysis of EPA pesticide incident exposure data by the center. The EPA assigns risk levels to all pesticides for their potential dangers to humans and some flea and tick products contain chemicals, specifically permethrins, that are “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.”

On top of all of that, we've also seen several studies from U.S. Centers of Disease Control (CDC) on the illnesses associated with the use of certain dog flea shampoos. The main issue are substances called pyrethrins, which are often included in poor-quality dog flea shampoos and are dangerous to dogs.

Now you can see how important it is to ensure that you choose a flea shampoo for dogs that is going to be safe and non-harmful for your pet and for you. The best way to do this is to research the products you're considering before making your purchase. For treating your home for fleas, you may need to look into carpet flea sprays or flea powders.

Choose the best flea shampoo for dogs that has been proven safe through reliable testing. This information is found on the product's packaging, and it will also be shown on the company's website. It's important to do your research before making your purchase.

What Is the Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs?top 5 best dog flea shampoo to prevent and kill fleas

The first best flea shampoo for dogs on the list is an all-natural product. When it comes to flea shampoos that are mild and natural, Wahl’s Rosemary and Mint Natural Pet Shampoo is one of the top choices. It is potent against fleas and ticks, yet gentle and safe for pets and humans. It does not contain PEG-80, a cleansing agent known to produce long-term adverse effects.

This shampoo helped so much in controlling flea infestation in pets. As one of the best dog flea shampoos, Wahl Natural Pet Shampoo has been doubly advantageous for sensitive dogs, such as dogs allergic to harsh chemicals, puppies too young to be exposed to pesticides, and ailing and geriatric dogs that couldn’t handle chemical-based flea treatment because of other conditions or medications. Since the ingredients of this shampoo are mostly herbs, plant extracts, oils and essences, and only FDA-approved fragrance and colors, they are preferred by dog owners.

This first best flea shampoo for dogs lathers and rinses well, and unlike other flea shampoos, it does not cause the skin to dry. Fleas drop to the drain upon rinsing. Users also happily say that they confidently and liberally apply this on their dog’s head, face, and behind the ears which are favorite haunts of fleas. It’s so gentle it doesn’t irritate their dogs’ eyes, nose or skin. It smells good and with regular use, will eventually eliminate those pesky pests.

PROS:

Natural plant-derived ingredients

Only uses FDA-approved fragrance and colors

Repels fleas and ticks for up to 1 week

CONS:

Some buyers say that this product was not suitable for their dog's sensistive skin

As with any of the best dog flea shampoos, some reviewers were not happy with the scent of this product

Most helpful review about this dog flea shampoo: “It's true, what many reviews are saying. As the winter is coming, my puppy's coat and skin seemed dry. I used this and his coat is amazingly soft and the white parts of his fur are remarkably white. I don't really detect any smell from.…”

The second best flea shampoo for dogs is made by a popular health brand. Some flea situations call for stronger shampoos. Ovitrol Plus from Vet-Kem contains pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide as active ingredients in less than 2% combined concentrations. These components are usually found in anti-lice and anti-flea shampoos. About 98% of the formulation is made up of natural ingredients like aloe, coconut extract, lanolin and oatmeal. This concentrated shampoo has a rich lather that cleans and a mild fragrance that refreshes. It also has hydrating and conditioning properties to prevent flaky skin, dandruff, and itching.

The shampoo kills adult fleas on contact and interrupts the life cycle of fleas at the pre-adult stages. This prevents reemergence of anew generation of fleas and provides control for up to 28 days. Buyers say that not only were fleas killed immediately after each bathing, Vet-Kem Ovitrol Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo for Pets also killed flea eggs, larvae and dormant pupae that threatened to reemerge during hotter weathers.

As much as possible, pet owners that tried this second best flea shampoo for dogs say that they avoid using regular medicated shampoos. However, fleas can really wreak havoc in a dog’s health and hygiene, not to mention that fleas can really be annoying to people. They’re only too glad that they have a flea shampoo they can rely on when their dog needs one. The shampoo smells nice, too, and does not irritate the skin.

PROS:

98% of ingredients are natural

Kills adult fleas on contact and interrupts the life cycle of fleas at the pre-adult stages

Provides up to 28 days of flea control

CONS:

A few reviewers say that while this is supposed to be one of the best dog flea shampoos, it didn't help their pets' flea infestation

Most helpful review about this dog flea shampoo: “My Cats have always been strickly indoors since they where just little fur ball babies. in the last five years of their life they have never had fleas. but apparently this year in the area i am in has been horrible with the fleas, When We moved into our new.…”

This Sentry third best flea shampoo for dogs is especially formulated for dogs. It targets fleas and ticks – killing fleas immediately and ticks after a day or two. Its potency peaks 7-10 days after the first use. It must be used weekly until all those parasites shall have been eliminated.

It contains permethrin, which is both a medication and insecticide, in safe concentration. It has piperonyl butoxide which acts in tandem with permethrin to effectively eliminate fleas and ticks. This is one of the best dog flea shampoos because it also contains oatmeal, which is a natural ingredient for removing dirt and odor.

Dog owners observed that after using this shampoo and allowing it to sit for 5 minutes, fleas drop dead after rinsing. Ticks, if they’re also present, usually follow suit days after. For really problematic dogs, such as those heavily infested with fleas, their owners bathed them at least three times a week with this shampoo for a month or so. Then after the pests are wiped out, they continue using Sentry Flea and Tick Shampoo with Oatmeal at least once in 10 days or more often when the weather is hot.

The third best flea shampoo for dogs from Sentry has a thick consistency and works up a really good lather. A little goes a long way making it a very cost-effective solution or part of a solution. Dogs love the massage that goes with each bath, and they smell really good afterwards. Constant use makes the dog’s coat shiny and lustrous, and of course, flea- and tick-free.

PROS:

Kills fleas immediately and ticks within 48 hours

Keeps fleas and ticks away for up to 10 days

Contains oatmeal to moisturize, clean and deodorize skin

CONS:

A few reviewers say that while this is supposed to be one of the best dog flea shampoos, it didn't help their pets' flea infestation

Some regular buyers mentioned that recent shipments they have received seemed watered down compared to previous bottles they've purchase

Most helpful review about this dog flea shampoo: “I followed the directions to the T. I saw those dang pesky critters running away from the shampoo. The dogs loved their 5 minute massage while the shampoo was working on the fleas. Killed them dead. Shampoo smells great and lathers.…”

Quite a lot of dog shampoos get rid of adult fleas, but only a handful really actively target the eggs and pre-adult fleas. Adams Plus contains pyrethin and piperonyl butoxide that work together to kill adult fleas. It's not a the type of natural shampoo as the first rated best flea shampoo for dogs above, but it's effective.

In addition to that, it contains Precor which targets pre-adult fleas so that they don’t develop into full-grown fleas. Adams Plus inhibits their growth, and therefore controls the increase in their population. Continued use is recommended to completely eliminate fleas and ticks. Other ingredients include aloe, coconut extract, lanolin, and oatmeal to help clean and condition your pet’s skin and coat.

Many skeptical pet owners bought this product for the simple reason that they were desperate about their dog’s flea condition, and they chanced upon this product. With nothing to lose they tried this and were so impressed. Not only did Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor for Dogs and Cats leave fleas dead, it also took care of the tick problem. Used with a good flea comb during and after each bath, this removes fleas by the hundreds at one sitting.

With fleas eliminated, their pets itched and scratched less. Sores and irritations healed fast, and pet owners attribute this to the combined effects of the cleansing and moisturizing ingredients. Built-up dirt was easier to remove, no allergies or adverse reaction were observed even on sensitive pets, and they took very well to this shampoo.

As with any of the best dog flea shampoos, a few reviewers say that this product didn't help their pets' flea infestation

A few buyers were not satisfied with the scent of this shampoo and its “lingering odor”

Most helpful review about this dog flea shampoo: “I would have to warn you, that after using this shampoo, keep your dog OUTSIDE for 24-48 hours. I did not. In fact, I came home to a plethora of dead ticks in my living room. Dead ticks EVERYWHERE. I counted at least 10 little ones.. and the big ones….…”

Last on our list of the best flea shampoo for dogs is this product from Hartz. Its active ingredient is phenothrin which is a synthetic pyrethroid. It’s effective in killing adult fleas, ticks, mites, and a host of other bugs and pests. The shampoo’s inactive ingredient is oatmeal which soothes the skin and hastens healing. It is safe for dogs at least 6 months old.

Dog owners who now use this shampoo say that they’ve been using other brands that were equally effective as the Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs with Oatmeal. Those brands suited their dogs well and got rid of the fleas all right. Unfortunately, many were not as gentle to human hands as the Hartz brand, and soon enough caused them rashes every time they bathe their dogs.

As one of the best flea shampoo for dogs, this brand is fast-acting – definitely a huge help to families that have long suffered ineffective flea shampoos and other flea treatment products. Many anti-flea products have an intoxicating smell, so pet owners think it’s noteworthy that this shampoo smells so mild. It doesn’t hurt the dog’s eyes – that, they really find surprising! Most synthetically-formulated shampoos have a sting when the suds get near the eye area, but this one doesn’t. It sounds like dogs approve of this shampoo without blinking an eye.

PROS:

Kills fleas, ticks and mites

Formulated with oatmeal to soothe skin

Safe for dogs over 6 months of age

CONS:

Many reviewers were concerned with the ingredients in this product – saying that after some research they realized many of the ingredients could be dangerous for dogs

As with any of the best dog flea shampoos, a few reviewers say that this product didn't help their pets' flea infestation

Most helpful review about this dog flea shampoo: “Great product that feels gentle to my buddy. I purchased some other brands before which made my hands irritated. I got rid of some fleas while I washed my little guy with this product. My Yorkie has a longer hair and he gets.…”

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Diana currently lives and works in London, UK and she's been an animal lover and dog owner since she was a child. After graduating high school, she focused on getting her degree in English to become a writer with a focus on animals, pets and dogs.

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